Waterford 3-19

Cork 1-21

Waterford were unerring in their belief that they are the best side in Munster after a superb league campaign and this afternoon’s Munster SHC semi-final reaffirmed that.

Cork were quick out of the blocks but two goals in quick succession first from Maurice Shanahan and then Jake Dillon saw Waterford build up a five point cushion they looked unlikely to surrender.

Shanahan was a picture of composure all afternoon, converting seven frees, one ‘65 and hooked over a point from play.

Cork kept in touch but were generally trailing by margins of five or six points and they were further hit when full-forward Luke O’Farrell was shown a red card in the 63rd minute for an off-the-ball strike.

A late goal for Cork brought the Rebel county back into contention only briefly but after Waterford raised the green flag for a third time, any hope of late dramatics were dashed.

Waterford held their nerve and advance to the final, confident of continuing their unbeaten run.

Scorers for Waterford: Maurice Shanahan 1-9 (0-7f, 0-1 ’65), Tom Devine, Jake Dillon 1-0 each, Shane Bennett, Stephen Bennett, Kevin Moran 0-2 each, Tadhg De Búrca, Austin Gleeson (0-1f), Colin Dunford, Patrick Curran 0-1 each.

Scorers for Cork: Patrick Horgan 1-7 (0-6f, 1-0 pen), Patrick Cronin 0-5, Alan Cadogan 0-2, Mark Ellis, Daniel Kearney, Aidan Walsh, Bill Cooper, Conor Lehane, Luke O’Farrell, Darren McCarthy (0-1 ’65) 0-1 each.